Air compressor aftercooler with automatic heated drain valve and start-up shut-off

Abstract

A water release system includes a compact aftercooler connected to receive hot, moisture laden compressed air from a compressor having a load cycle under control of a governor. A water release valve is connected between a header of the aftercooler and an unloader pressure line connected to the governor. The valve ordinarily remains open until it receives a certain, pressure value signal from the unloader line which is effective to close the valve. A switch is located in pressure sensing relationship with the aftercooler, and a solenoid valve is electrically connected to the pressure sensitive switch and pneumatically connected between the water release valve and the governor. When the pressure sensed by the switch is somewhat above that at which the water release value ordinarily closes, the pressure sensitive switch closes to energize the solenoid valve and thereby open the same, after which the water release valve operates automatically to open and close in response to pressure and lack thereof in the unloader line.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A water release system for use in a compressed air system, comprising: a compact aftercooler connected to receive hot, moisture-laden compressed air from a compressor having a load cycle under control of a governor,   a water release valve connected to a header of the aftercooler, and to an unloader pressure line connected between said valve and governor,   a first switch located in pressure sensing relationship with the aftercooler for sensing air pressure within the aftercooler, and   a solenoid valve electrically connected to the pressure sensitive switch and pneumatically connected between the water release valve and said unloader line,   said pressure sensitive switch being effective to energize said solenoid valve and thereby open the solenoid valve when pressure sensed by said switch exceeds a predetermined value such that the water release valve is connected in fluid communication with the unloader pressure line.   
     
     
       2. The water release system of claim 1 wherein the water release valve is heated by a heater located in physical contact with a body of the valve and electrically connected to a source of electrical power under control of a thermostat and electrically connected in series between said heater and the source of electrical power. 
     
     
       3. The water release system of claim 1 wherein the aftercooler unit includes a motor driven fan for cooling the hot, moisture laden compressed air received in the aftercooler from the compressor when the compressor operates and compresses air. 
     
     
       4. The water release system of claim 3 including a second switch pneumatically connected to the unloader line, and electrically connected to supply and interrupt electrical current to and from the motor of said fan in accordance with the level of pressure in the unloader line as sensed by said second switch.